Should You Poop Before the Prostate Exam?

When a man ages, the prostate enlarges, which is very common in men. So much so that one out of every two men will have it after the age of 50. An enlarged or inflamed prostate can shut down the urethra creating complications to urinate.

A prostate exam can help diagnose and treat it on time.

Therefore, men above the age of 50 should definitely get their prostate check-ups done regularly. However, those at higher risk or with a family history of prostate cancer should get themselves checked after the age of 45. The same is applicable for people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or those who are African-American.

How to Prepare for a Prostate Exam

In a prostate exam, your doctor will check your prostate for any lumps and bumps and determine if there is any problem.

The prostate exam procedure is of two types.

The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and The Prostate-Specific Antigen Exam (PSA).

Things to Do Before a Prostate Exam (Dre):

1. Let the doctor know about any hemorrhoids, fissures, or discomfort in the anus
2. Relax so that the doctor can easily insert his/her index finger for the check-up
3. There is no need to poop before the prostate exam

Things to Do Before a PSA Test

1. Avoid ejaculation at least 24 hours before the collection of the sample
2. Avoid any form of physical activity that can put pressure on your genitalia
3. Inform your doctor about the supplements and medications you take

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do Prostate Exams Hurt/What Does a Prostate Exam Feel Like?

There is a slight discomfort momentarily during the DRE test, but that's all. For the PSA test, blood is collected and is no more painful than a regular blood test.

2. How Long Does a Prostate Exam Last?

The DRE test takes less than 10 minutes or so.